Energy from the Desert - Feasibility
of very large scale photovoltaic power generation
systems

May 2003 - Edited by Professor Kosuke Kurokawa
- James and James

The world's deserts are sufficiently large that,
in theory, covering a fraction of their landmass with
PV systems could generate many times the current primary
global energy supply. Moreover, the energy produced
is from solar radiation - a clean and renewable source
- hence such systems would have the potential to contribute
massively to the protection of the global environment.

Energy from the Desert is an extensive and
high-level international study, representing the accumulated
research of the world experts involved in Task VIII
of the IEA PVPS Programme. To date, the market focus
for photovoltaics has been on small to medium, stand-alone
or building-integrated power systems, which have proven,
but as yet not realized, the great potential of this
technology. This definitive study evaluates the feasibility,
potential and global benefits of very large scale
photovoltaic power generation (VLS-PV) systems deployed
in desert areas and each generating from 10MW to several
gigawatts.

In three parts, the study details the background
and concept of VLS-PV, maps out a development path
towards the realization of VLS-PV systems, and provides
firm recommendations to achieve long-term targets,
based on the findings of the IEA Task VIII experts.

* photovoltaic technologies, systems design and plant
operation

* finance, cost-benefits and profitability

* impact on and benefit to global, regional and local
environment

* policy-level and investment issues

In
addition, the study provides specific case study options
for VLS-PV in desert areas, including the Sahara,
Gobi and Negev deserts, and three in-depth scenarios
are used to demonstrate that sustainable economic
growth, sustainable technological-environmental development
and sustainable financial support are possible when
a long term perspective is developed and maintained.

Energy from the Desert is the first study
to provide a concrete set of answers to the questions
that must be addressed in order to secure and exploit
the potential for VLS-PV technology and its global
benefits. It will be invaluable to government, energy
planners, policy makers, utilities and international
organizations assessing the potential for this technology,
PV Systems manufacturers and infrastructure providers
wishing to develop this new market and consultants,
scientists, researchers and engineers involved in
the field.